The guiding principles of the Bahá'ís are: honesty, love,
charity and trustworthiness; the setting of the common good above private
interest; and the practice of godliness, virtue and moderation. Ultimately,
then, their preservation and happiness are assured. Whatever misfortunes they
may encounter, wrought by the wiles of the schemer and ill-wisher, shall all
pass away like waves, and hardship shall be succeeded by joy. The friends are
under the protection of the resistless power and inscrutable providence of
God.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 18 December 1928 to the
National Spiritual Assembly of Iran – translated from the Persian;
Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I)
